Communications and Technology

Overview

Communications and Technology

Article Local Works

Pacifica’s AI assistant makes a splash

“Pacifica may be small and under-resourced, but we’re constantly striving to be nimble, creative, and ahead of the curve,” said Interim City Manager Yulia Carter. “Rose isn’t about replacing people — it’s about making government more accessible, more efficient, and perhaps ironically in this early age of AI, more human.”

Article Features By John Lorinc

AI is shaking up local permitting processes

As cities experiment with a range of AI technologies, automated permitting is proving to be one of the more promising platforms — one focused on speeding up a core municipal service long plagued by bottlenecks and red tape. But this much-heralded acceleration is still a work-in-progress.

Article Solutions for Cities By Jason Peters

Seven smart AI investments municipalities should prioritize now

With artificial intelligence becoming a part of so many workflows, it’s likely you will find yourself investing in it more. But before you invest in AI tools or platforms, you need to first understand your AI-preparedness.

Rancho Cordova employee monitors traffic conditions on computer screens
Article Features By John Lorinc

There’s no killer AI app for cities. Experts say that’s a good thing

“Frankly, I think that is actually great,” says Anthony Townsend, urbanist-in-residence at Cornell Tech’s Urban Tech Hub. “It has given cities the time to do a lot of the governance planning they weren’t able to do during earlier waves of tech disruption.”

Article Special to Cal Cities Paul Sanftner

Opinion: Let’s ask YouTube to create an emergency alert system button before the next crisis hits

“One of the most powerful platforms in the digital age — YouTube — lacks a basic, critical feature: an emergency alert system for local governments,” writes Paul Sanftner, a public information officer for the city of San Leandro. “The absence of this feature is a serious gap in our nation’s emergency communication infrastructure.” 

Article Features By Jackie Krentzman

It’s 10 p.m. and a crisis has hit your city. Can you communicate with your residents effectively?

In recent years, cities across California have faced unprecedented challenges — wildfires, flooding, mass shootings, hazardous spills, and more. But the benefits of a good crisis communication plan go beyond emergencies.

Article Special to Cal Cities By Adam Gufarotti

Opinion: We need to return to in-person meetings. Here’s why

“Even though offices are full again, most of our meetings still happen on Zoom or Teams,” writes a department leader from Lake Elsinore. “Don’t get me wrong: Some things needed to change. … [But] We’ve lost something. The way we connect, make decisions, and communicate has shifted, and not always for the better.” 

Article Features By Arthur Goncalves

Being a mayor was like conducting ‘a symphony of voices,’ says Asm. Diane Papan

“As mayor, you can call on certain voices to lower the temperature on a particular issue,” says Asm. Diane Papan. “Everyone gets an opportunity to speak, but it’s about what order you have them speak. The order of things can affect the outcome of a decision.”

Article Local Works By Jared Roman

Fast-growing Menifee’s communication strategy helps keep growing pains in check

In its early years, Menifee faced complaints about growth, and residents had few ways to reach the city outside normal business hours. Today, community engagement is crucial to how the city defines itself and the secret to its success.

Article Solutions for Cities By Joe Penney

My city needs to update its cybersecurity practices: Where do I begin?

You know cybersecurity is important. But often, it’s difficult to know where you should begin. That’s where the League of California Cities’ cybersecurity and technology services powered by VC3 come in.

Article Features By Betsy Montiel

Should your city embrace GenAI? It’s complicated

Many cities have long used artificial intelligence for routine tasks. Some are seizing on advances in AI to further automate everyday tasks. But as with any new tool or policy, there are benefits and costs to using AI. Experts say it’s crucial for cities to have guardrails over anything AI produces.

Article Features By Jackie Krentzman

What happens when reporters leave your town

California has lost one-third of its newspapers since 2005. One county has no local news outlets, while 18 have just one. City officials say the decline in reliable, local news coverage has hampered their mission, damaged community trust, and fueled misinformation.

Article Features Doug Levy, with David Oro, Brian Baker, and Alexa Davis

Harnessing AI’s power for cities while combating misinformation

Generative artificial intelligence can both enhance city services and cause great harm. This is where policies matter. You need to know exactly what data your AI tool uses and carefully review AI-generated content before publishing it.

Article Features By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

You’re probably not as good at talking and listening as you think, argues veteran NPR host

If you’re a politician, you most likely talk a lot. If you’re a good politician, you almost certainly listen a lot. But are you talking and listening well? Probably not, argues public radio host Celeste Headlee. And that has profound implications for our democracy.

Article Legal Notes By David Urban

Will these five landmark social media rulings impact your city?

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an unprecedented number of decisions in its 2023-24 term on free speech and social media. Some of these rulings open the door to future, theoretical legal challenges.

Article Features By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

Welcome to the first AI election. Here’s what local officials need to know and can do to prepare

Experts are warning that artificial intelligence (AI) could undermine this year’s elections. But just what does that mean? Here’s what AI can do, the threats it poses to election security, and how local officials can help their communities prepare.

A group of men and women posing for a picture next to podcasting equipment and cardboard cutouts of wildlife.
Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence By Ramiro Adeva

Agoura Hills podcast is a blueprint for community engagement

Agoura Hills once faced a familiar conundrum: How do you bridge the communications gap between a city and the people they serve? The Good Life Agoura Hills podcast is helping the city close that gap in a fun, cost-effective, and accessible way.

Article Features By David Albaugh and Geoff Spencer

The many uses and potential pitfalls of generative AI

Tools like ChatGPT can produce incredible messages, but they don’t actually know anything. It’s best to think of them as very fluent parrots. You should fact-check everything, even if it sounds convincing. With that said, generative artificial intelligence can make some jobs easier.

Article Legal Notes By Benjamin R. Jones

A 2024 legal decision will impact local control over existing wireless facilities

Cal Cities filed a lawsuit over a declaratory ruling that restricts cities’ control over existing wireless facilities. A legal decision is expected next year. Here are a few key areas to watch.

Article Local Works By Kimberly Bonéy

City of Redding Podcast breaks down big topics and builds trust

It’s easy for people to mistrust cities when they are not privy to the day-to-day happenings within city hall. The wheels of government turn slow, and delivering information is a multilayered process. Enter the City of Redding Podcast, where no topic is too big or mundane.